5 Crucial Issues for 2014: Midyear status report

On New Year's Day, we laid out "5 Crucial Issues for 2014: crime, water, elections, education and the economy.

On New Year's Day, we laid out "5 Crucial Issues for 2014: crime, water, elections, education and the economy.

Halfway through 2014, let's take a look at where we stand:

» What has happened: Stockton entered the year with momentum from the passage of Measure A and B, which ultimately could mean 120 new police officers and funding for key elements of the Marshall Plan. Progress has been steady, but hardly brisk, on getting those hires made. The homicide total in Stockton stands at 21 halfway through the year. Steve Moore was elected to his third term as San Joaquin Sheriff. And there was tragedy in June: the death of Scott Hewell, a Stockton police officer, in a pursuit automobile crash.

» What's ahead: The ongoing hiring process will continue to be an important component of local crime-fighting. There has been promising movement: in one week, the Stockton Police Department and San Joaquin Sheriff's Office hired a combined 13 new officers. The emphasis on gang- and weapons-related crime, which has included multi-agency operations, should continue. But more progress also must be made in dealing with theft-related crimes.

» What has happened: Well, a drought happened. A severe one. That's changed the dynamic of water debates across the state. Gov. Jerry Brown continues to pitch his Twin Tunnels plan, and those concerned about the San Joaquin Delta and other northern California water interests are pushing back hard. Some cities have instituted mandatory water rationing. Stockton's situation is in limbo after "junior water rights" holders - of which the city is one - were halted from dipping their figurative straws into the Delta.

» What's ahead: Brown's likely re-election in November means he will continue to push the Twin Tunnels projects and the north versus south battle will intensify. Stockton is appealing its situation with the drinking-water plant and hopes for a positive resolution. Ultimately, it would be best for the California if the state as a whole developed cogent water policies that considered all concerns. That, however, likely will continue to be elusive.

» What has happened: The June 3 primary had a record low turnout, but some key races still were decided. The county got its first woman district attorney (Tori Verber Salazar) and Kathy Miller defeated Stockton City Council colleague Paul Canepa in a heated race for one Board of Supervisors position.

» What's ahead: Three Stockton City Council races are on the November ballot, and another opening must be filled by appointment because of Miller's departure. There will be two high-profile local runoff races: James Mousalimas versus Jeff Tilton for county superintendent of schools and Russ Munson versus Chuck Winn for supervisor. Generally speaking, incumbents look strong but can take nothing for granted in state legislative and congressional races. And there will be a plethora of school board races.

» What has happened: The school year ended, and now big changes comes with the implementation of the Common Core standards. Many educators like the changes, but area school districts are at different stages of preparation - i.e., some are in good shape, others are not. Stockton Unified School District must again deal with a superintendent vacancy, with Steve Lowder's announced resignation. In general, student achievement is up and high school graduation rates locally are significantly better.

» What's ahead: Common Core should give teachers more flexibility and instill more critical thinking skills - if it works as intended - for students. SUSD must deal not only with the leadership vacancy but with tense relations with the teachers' union. K-12 funding is improved in the state budget that - somewhat miraculously, given the past - was done early this year.

» What has happened: Unemployment is down, foreclosures are way down, and real estate prices have shot back up (although housing inventory still is comparatively low). Retails businesses are far from out of trouble, and vacancies continue to dot the malls and strip malls. But some relatively big names (H&M, Dick's Sporting Goods) are locating here. County wide, things are picking up in the southern part with Amazon ramping up operations at its new facility and Tesla picking Lathrop for a plant.

» What's ahead: The most recent quarterly report by University of the Pacific anticipates that the state's economic recovery could be accelerated. Whether that's the case for the Valley remains to be seen. Stockton continues to seek companies to move here - not a Google barge that created much buzz but had no impact. Stockton eagerly awaits a bankruptcy trial decision on July 8. A favorable ruling can only help the city's image and, therefore, its ability to attract employers.

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